Nano-Biotechnology

Recently Declassified Pentagon Project Blocks Hackers' Access to Wireless Networks

Signal defense window

By Lucian Dorneanu, Science Editor

27th of June 2007, 09:06 GMT

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SIGNAL DEFENSE FILM blocks a wide swath of the electromagnetic spectrum, but is nearly transparent to visible light.

As businesses and government facilities using wireless networks struggle to keep their confidential data in and hackers out, it seems that WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) and even WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) may soon be obsolete and replaced by the newest high-tech protection: window tint.

The Pentagon experimented with window films designed to prevent them from shattering on impact - proven in the 9/11 attacks, when a Boeing 757 struck the Pentagon building. They continued the project and developed a film that

when applied onto windows, blocks all outside access to wireless networks, while letting visible light go through.

The former US government exclusive technology, recently declassified, is available directly from the manufacturer and comes with prices to match its importance, that will also prevent access to the technology itself for most private consumers.

Called "LLumar Signal Defense Security Film", the two-millimeter-thick coating can block bullets and other projectiles, as well as electromagnetic signals, like Wi-Fi signals, cell phone transmissions and infrared signals.

Radio interference is minimized and blocks all incoming or outgoing wireless signals, even the electromagnetic pulse (EMP) generated by a nuclear blast that can put to sleep all electronic devices, while being nearly transparent to visible light.

The applications are already used on windows of more than 200 governments, Treasury and Department of Defense buildings, as well as in the homes of high-ranking members of the administration, but will all be available to the wealthiest civilians.

"We are limited by confidentiality agreements to say exactly which buildings [the window film] is on," says Kent Davies, president of CPFilms, Inc., in Martinsville, Virginia, the manufacturer of the protective covering. "But immediately after 9/11 one of the senior military officials talked about a window film that seriously protected against the damage from the plane crash. You can put two and two together and assume it was also protecting against wireless signals."

From now on, the US Government will let civilians take hold of the newest technology that will prevent anyone from tapping their wireless transmissions. Yeah, right...

TAGS:

wireless | network | infrared | electromagnetic | light

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